"The Three Lions are well placed in Group K of European qualifying and, having won five games out of five so far, know another victory in Latvia on Tuesday could secure their place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer, depending on results elsewhere. England are almost certain to qualify either way but the situation is different for Wales, who are currently third behind North Macedonia and Belgium in Group J. They host Belgium on Monday and with North Macedonia also due to visit the Principality, either side of a trip to minnows Liechtenstein, the opportunity for Craig Bellamy's men to top their pool is very much alive."
"Tonight, therefore, is a tricky fixture for Thomas Tuchel and Welsh counterpart Bellamy to navigate. Neither will want to cede ground to their near-neighbours yet neither will want to take risks with personnel ahead of next week."
"John Stones makes his first England start since October last year. As expected, Ollie Watkins leads the line in the absence of injured captain Harry Kane, with Declan Rice taking the armband. Tottenham full-back Djed Spence makes his first senior start for the Three Lions, who are without Newcastle United's Tino Livramento because of a knee injury."
England host Wales at Wembley in a friendly ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers next week. England sit top of Group K with five wins from five and could secure qualification with victory in Latvia on Tuesday, depending on other results. Wales occupy third in Group J behind North Macedonia and Belgium, with a home game versus Belgium and a North Macedonia visit giving them a chance to top the group. Managers Thomas Tuchel and Craig Bellamy are expected to balance caution with preparation. England name John Stones, Ollie Watkins and Djed Spence; Wales name Darlow and a starting XI. Kick-off 7.45pm on ITV1/ITVX.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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